Legion launches TBI/PTSD survey for veterans

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The American Legion is encouraging veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to participate in its online survey during February. The Legion is conducting the voluntary survey to gather information about the care and treatment received for the two conditions, including veterans’ experiences with complementary and alternative treatments.

The Legion’s National Executive Committee authorized the survey as a follow-up to the organization’s report on TBI and PTSD, “The War Within,” released last September after more than three years of research. The report was issued publicly and shared with medical leadership at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“The American Legion is very concerned by the unprecedented number of veterans who suffer from these two conditions,” said American Legion Past National Commander William Detweiler, chairman of the Legion’s permanent committee on TBI and PTSD. “We advocate the adoption of all effective treatments and cures, including alternatives being used in the private sector.”

Members of Detweiler’s committee and the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission worked with Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) in Washington to develop questions for the survey.

“This innovative survey, developed by The American Legion and DRC, represents a unique look at the experiences of veterans who receive health care at VA facilities,” said DRC’s Dr. Jeff Greenberg, senior director of research. “This new survey focuses on health outcomes and treatment, as opposed to traditional health-care experience variables, and supports the VA’s goal to provide the finest quality of care to veterans.”

The survey includes questions that concern gender, era of service, number of times deployed, TBI and/or PTSD diagnoses, scheduling, types of treatment, reported symptoms and side effects.Detweiler said the Legion survey, which ends on Feb. 28, is entirely confidential. “Although we’re also requesting demographic data such as age, branch of service, and where veterans have received treatment, this information won’t be used to identify individuals who complete the survey," he said.

Greenberg said DRC will store survey results securely and eventually destroy them, in accordance with industry standards.

Findings from the survey, Detweiler said, will be shared with federal agencies, the health-care industry and the media. “By completing this survey, veterans across America will have the opportunity to tell their stories about the treatment they have received for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries," he said. "Their responses will inform The American Legion’s position on the care and treatment for these injuries so that it can advocate effectively for its members.”

More in Veterans Health Center

Frank Makinson

Every chemical explosion emits an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). The characteristics of this EMP is poorly documented. There is a connection between the helmet types worn in WWI, WWII and current military headgear and a specific type of brain injury.
see vixra org website paper id 1501.0196
"The Electromagnetic Cause of Shell Shock"

D.A.Powell

I too have been a victim of the VA claims process. I'm at 80% but I feel that I wasn't diagnosed correctly for the Agent Orange effects. The longer I live, the worse it gets. nMy group therapy shrink tells me PTSD will never go away. The agent orange effects will never go away either. I go to the VA because of my wife, but lately she's been hounding me. Better to just check out because the pain is gradually wearing me out.

Tye

I too am a vet of Vietnam, '65-'66 Artillery. They didn't have a name for it when I was discharged, or if they did I wasn't aware of it. My wife was afriad of me and we finally divorced, she couldn't deal with my "odd" behaviors> She couldn't touch me when I was asleep, I wouldn't sit with my back to a door, had to sit in the back of restaurants aaginst a wall, waking up in a nightmare, the drinking.
At her suggestion I went to her therapist, we talked every week for about a month. I realized this person had no clue what I was feeling or how to deal with it. I never sought help again. I decided I could self analyze and treat. It is rare to have nightmares anymore, even though the ones I do have are intense. There are still great gaps of time missing in my memory of Vietnam. I still can't sit with my back to crowds or doors. Sometimes I can "smell" the smells of Vietnam and I become over sensitized for a time. I was treated poorly when I was mustered out in San Francisco, by the public and the military. I was spit on in public, and the military would wake me at wierd hours and "debrief" me. I would call it "interrogation"!! I am 73 now and I have learned to deal with and accept my "oddities" as has my 3rd wife. I hope the guys now seek and receive help that we never got...

Allen Young

I am a veteran who served in Vietnam in artillery. For years I have suffered from being frightened by loud noises,large crowds,and small spaces. These are problems that I did not have as a 19 yr old fresh out of high school and being sent to war.I never equated these problems with my war experience. But after reading a lot of the comments from fellow veterans, I am beginning to wonder if these problems are related to what I went through during that year in Vietnam. It would be appreciated if I could get a comment relating to this.

charlie mike

Over 40 years ago I experienced VA hospital experiences similar to what you'd see in the movie, "Coming Home". Nobody seemed to care about a veteran - nor wanted to hear from them. 20 years ago there was a vast improvement with VA care - right after Desert Storm. But what was worse, the record keeping of the military was atrocious. I was denied claims because my scars were not "service connected" because my wounds were not in my records. All because of someone making a wrong notation with the military ID # (which was our SSN) back in the 3rd Field Hospital in Vietnam. One number was wrong,…
With the help of a great VFW representative and my local senator - 38 years later the NPRC cleared it all up. I received the awards and recognition for my combat experiences. In the mail, I received an overdue Air Medal (for combat assaults), a Bronze Star, and the Purple Hearts (validating my previously unrecognized scars) - all engraved by the NPRC as if it were an apology. But more importantly, the VA immediately reopened my claims for the residual of the wounds and TBI, the residual of Agent Orange, combat PTSD, et all. Opened and closed within a year.
So my suggestion - see a Veterans of Foreign Wars service officer - and write to your local Senator! Combat veterans seem to have an "easier to prove" preference - but everyone seems to jump for all veterans when you've enlisted the help of a good VFW rep and a good state Senator. Contrary to popular belief - there are a few of them that are veterans themselves or the dependent of one. There are a few that have a true concern for the wellbeing for ALL VETERANS. And lastly, there are many of them that have committed their office to correcting the wrongdoings that started a long time ago - when being a veteran was a war in itself. Give the VA a change - and be persevering and persistent in your claim. Charlie Mike. "Continue the mission".

Cliff Thompson

I served 4 years with the National Guard,got Bells Palsy in Fort Dix,came home went to the V.A.Hosp., but know they say I can't get any consideration for any medical treatments.Seems George W.Bush and the Republicans changed the qualifying rules .Now I'm treated no better than the Cowards that ran off to Canada to avoid Military Duty.

Donald R Workman

If you have an legitimate claim don't give up on the VA or SS. It took me over 2 years to get my SS. My VA claim didn't take quite that long. Remember you get back pay from the time you file a claim with the VA and SS. The VA has been great to me. Thank you VA hospital and doctors.

Greg 41 yrs

It was not worth the time and effort to fight the VA and the long commute to the location to effect any changes. The stigma at the time of trying to gain help wasn't worth the extra anxiety of fighting another type of war at home.

Steve Stripling

I think the folks that ask people to "serve" in the Armed Forces should take time to read these boards. My son was not required to serve on the US Military and I feel no shame there. I do feel my traing was excellent however it came at a very very high personal cost indeed. The Bill Rileys and Russ Limbaughs of the world that justify this absurd Crusade we have been in Iraq and Afganistan for the last 10 year should be made to train with a Marine squad on Parris Island just one week before they are allowed to spew their hatred all over the airwaves everyday. I have applied for a disability rating as well. I will be using an attorney. Only a fool would try to navigate this by themselves.

Greg Harris

Without an AL representative in my area, I became a member on-line....Legion hasn't been of any help to me, not thier fault, I have VSO's in my area that won't take my calls, wont return messages, and aren't in thier office. I've gotten up to 60% on my own, VOC Rehab Individual living assesment stated I should be at 100% due to unemployability, so I opened another claim with the VA, I suffer from non-combat related PTSD and TBI (among other ailments that occured in an on duty MVA) this has caused me much pain, anxiety, stress, hypervigilance, and a generally lousy attitude. the "dope" that the VA has given me has had no affect on my symptoms, to be short my life sucks, I am now divorced, thought about the S word, but I'm not now, nor have ever been a Quitter, I'll ride this out until the end, on my own...oh yeah, SSDI has denied my claim 5 times now, and if Mr MacKinzie thinks that living on 60% id a "comfortable" living, then I wan't to see him do it!!

AC Holt

My feet were messed up while I was serving in the Army in Germany. I have severe hammer toes THAT CAME FROM THE BOOTS THAT I had to wear. I have suffered with pain since 1970 when I was Discharged. I was put on a medical profile while I was in service, and I was told that when I got out to go straight to the closest VA Hospital, and they would take care of me. I found that not to be true I was told that someone thought that My feet weren't sever enough to get anything. They don't have to live with the pain and imbursement that I have to go through every day. I work because I have to take care of my family, I come home every night and almost cry from the pain, but I keep going. I have noticed that I have begun to drink a lot more than usual, and I don't want to be that way, but I guess that's better than taking a lot of drugs. For some of us I guess there is no help.

Mace

The Legion was of absolutely no help to me. I contacted them for help in reopening my PTSD case and talked with a Legion rep who filled out the paperwork and then never returned my calls. Finally after leaving numerous messages at the Seattle office someone called me and said that the service officer who helped me was no loner there and that he would find my files and call me back. I waited a couple of weeks and when I didnt hear back I again called and left messages for months until finally giving up.About a year and a half later I contacted the Legions veterans office at American Lake VA Hospital and tried once again to get some help with my claim. I met with a woman who obviously hated both her job and veterans in general but filled out the paperwork once again and told me that she would be in touch. One day about a year later, after an appointment at the hospital I stopped over at the Legion office to check on my claim and the receptionist laughed at me when I said I had been trying to get help from the Legion for over two years, saying that there was no way I could expect anything in "only" two years and that claims usually take 20 years. I left immediately and vowed I would never go back to the Legion for help again. One night while being unable to sleep I saw an ad on a public access station offering help to veterans so I contacted them. It turns out that they are an anti war group who has very dedicated and professional people who help veterans with their disability claims and they finally got the ball rolling again. I had been diagnosed with severe PTSD in the late 80's but was denied disability because I was not able to go before a board and recite my experiences as required at the time. The anti war group got my claim reopened within 2 months of contacting them and I finally received my disability rating more than 3 years after originally contacting the Legion. The Legion is the most worthless organization when it comes to helping veterans , at least in the Seattle area , and I would never recommend any veteran have anything to do with them.

DS/DS Vet

Not in combat zone, but deployed. Just the mere fact of being deployed is stressful. Symptoms for years, no one could figure it out, still can't. 50% because of anxiety/stress disorder and they refuse to acknowledge it as PTSD, denied related conditioned. Seriously, the ebenefits site provides a lot of information, but no follow up if you are required to provide additional information to them. Yeh, have to log in and check that section. Never mind the breach they just had. Rumors abound that even if you file a claim, it is not retroactive to your dates of service,more EOS, but based upon the date you filed a claim. Our veterans deserve more! Medicaid/Affordable care act....? I serve my country, do the right thing and have to jump through all kinds of hoops. What do we vets have to do to earn the respect we deserve? We are WHY freedom exists.

flagal

I hear what you all are saying. You don't have to go through combat to get PTSD. I was in the Army for 15 years. Had my career cut short because of what I was going through. The doctors wanted to admit me to the psych ward for PTSD. I said no but hell no. I didn't want that stigma to follow me. When you go through a sexual harassment problem, it sticks with you. I have been out since 92 and I still have the memories popping up occasionally. You never forget something like that when I felt like I was the bad person. I was still in when the good-ole-boy concept was still alive and well. I suffer from major depression, ADHD, fibromyalgia, Hoshimoto's disease and other ailments. I never use to be sick at all. I hate to go anywhere and really don't desire to socialize. I am tired of my kids telling me to get out and meet people. They don't have any idea what I went through.

D James

To begin, I served in Viet Nam in the 11th ACR, 155mm self-propelled Howitzers. Day and night, boom, boom, boom. I have been rated at 10% for bilateral tinnitus and awarded a 0 rating for hear loss. I have been rated 10% for tinnitus, 40% for Type 2 Diabetes, and just recently 30% for PTSD. When I was rated 30% for PTSD, VA wanted to take away 20% rating for Diabetes (insulin dependent). I have tried for almost 20 years to get a 100% rating, but VA keeps telling me my hearing loss (rated at 0) is not bad enough for compensation. My efforts all these years have been futile. I have even had to spend my own money getting hearing aids (which don't help much). What can I do?

Randy Mellott

I am a Viet Nam Vet (Marine Corps) who served in an artillery unit 1969-70. Applied for compensations and received it for Agent Orange. It did take a while and I had the help of DAV and think that made a difference. They are very respectful and get back with you if you have any questions. Do not have to be a member or even donate. I highly suggest them, tried other associations like the VFW Officers and did not get much assistance. Good luck and welcome home brother!

John D Kaperka

served aboard the USS Stormes DD-780 as Capt phone talker during GQ. During week of 12Sep66 thru 17Sep66 ship fired some 2300 rounds of 5"/38 shells. That is about 765 rounds per gun mount. At no time could I wear earplugs due to the fact all info relayed to me to the Captain and vice versa had to be clear concise and correct. The VA has rated hearing loss 0 as with you not bad enough for compensation. Today I spent $50.00 on a copay and saw a civilian MD ETN. What he said (it is being put into writing) compared to what the VA states are like night and day. This info will be presented to my American Legion rep to be resubmitted. Also a copy is going to my Congressman's VA Rep. Go to your Congressman they should help.

Pete Townsend

I too am a Tin Can sailor who served Uss.Walke DD723 and Uss James E Keyes DD787. 68-72.Total 4 WestPac cruises.Yankee Station and GunLine more times than I can count.No idea of how many rounds I wittnessed.My hearing loss was also denied. I did recive 10% for tinites.I recently re-submitted for hearing aids.Lets see how long it takes for a reply.Thank you sailor. PeteSan72.

John P. McKenzie

I agree with several of the above posters. The VA is NOT perfect. First of all my friends there is no other soldier in this WORLD that has a support network like the USVA. I went to VN a 19 year old college man (2 years) in one year I was in a jungle fighting a stone age foe. Worse than all that was the reception back in the U.S. from the liberal left SCUM. "THEY" stabbed us in the back as frequently as they could. YES - I'd like to tell you about john Kerry and jane fonda and bill ayers ... what the hell is the use. The subject is the VA and for almost 50 years I have nothing but respect for their ... doctors, nurses, clinical personnel. Their mental health "approach" is often 20 years behind times ... but I would not condemn them. They have unique problems ... just like you and I do. BUT THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE VA has passed from the old guard (of highly committed persons who were frequently vets themselves) to the new guard of self-serving beaurocrates (?) who are simply doing a job and going home as soon as possible. I have written to VMAC ... "directors"
I have spoken in person to the same persons ... and I have written to GEN Eric Senscheki ... it is a wast of my time. Both categories of phonies are simply maintaining their rice bowl! Please have the guts to display THIS post and use my name and tell Shinscheki to CALL ME ... he won't ... but if he does ... HE will be reqarded. John P. McKenzie. Co B, 2nd Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Always 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. RVN 1965-66.

Doug Helliesen

served during Vietnam, was spit on during veteran parade, amongst pain, anxiety,and other issues, just now tolerating this type activity. still do not go to crowded areas and not able to work for anyone. Treatment was and is a joke, pills, pills and more pills, totally turn you into a zombie. 1st Doc in 70's gave me a whole bag of uppers and downers said he wanted to "saturate" me with the drugs then taper off till he could control me. Didn't go back over 20 years till pain increased and they opened a clinic in my home town. Now every time I go, shrink wants to increase meds which make me dopy and unable to function at all. I'm on 1/4 dose and getting a little work done around the house.

John P McKenzie

See my post Doug. Please - keep going. Never give up. If you do the liberal left SCUM wins. They will get their reward. Frequently it comes when their own grandchildren tell them what low lifes they are for not doing their share. Make the VA give you the lowest possible dosage and get the hell out and mingle with people. There are 1,000 good people to every SCUM aforementioned. "Mac" Good luck. Go the VA every time!!!

Bob Dozier

Where do I start. To begin with the VA did declare me 90% service connected disabled but would not do anything about PTSD. Hell, I was medically discharged from the ARMY because of symptoms like PTSD. Now my diabetes has progressed to where I take insulin shots to help control it. I'm 68 now and can't work and I still don't know if I'll ever see 100% disability.

John P. McKenzie

You can survive quite nicely on 90% - but keep trying to have it reviewed. See the American Legion - they ARE the best! The best way to help yourself is to help another person ... a child or best of all a VET! Be well it all begins in YOUR mind. You deserve a good, stress free life. "GET" it. Mac 101st Airborne

Terry Malason

All of you people should wake up and realize that we do not live in a perfect world. Without the American Legion I wouldn't have been granted my 100% disability. The other "big gun service agencies" tried for almost 4 years and only wasted my time and a bunch of paper. The A.L. got the job, with 8 years retro, done in 5 months. So if they want to ask me some questions, in an effort to help me with my medical treatments, I'm all for it. I've been treated by the V.A. for 45 years. Yes I said 45 years. Have they made some mistakes
during that time? YES!! But they have also saved my life. They try hard for everyone but did you ever think that how you treat them might just bounce back on you? Grow up, all of you lifelong complainers. Life is not perfect.
i'm all for it.

wildman usmc

terry I agree 100% the va and American legion have been nothing but kind and helpful to me,those that really deserve disability rateing will get it.if you had gone to the va in the 70s or 80s after the liberial military haters had almost destroyed va and the armed forces you would know what bad to no service and car was.

John P. McKenzie

See my post. We are very, very close in our analysis. But try not to be too heavy-handed on these guys. Give them HOPE ... and the American Legion IS the best by me too. We are ALL brothers in arms. Let us always help one another. I VOW the current group of guys coming home from the Islamic scum holes will NOT be treated as we were. Just try to guide these guys into staying IN treatment. Mac, TN, 101st Airborne division

Rick Gill

Army 28 year retired. I have only good things to say about the VA. My treatment has been very good. I don't see them as pill pushers at all. I go to the clinic in Paducah KY and everyone there has been helpful and in one instance. life saving. Same goes for the hospital in Marion, IL. Great folks!! I'm sorry to hear so many sad stories about contact with the VA. That has not been the cae for me.

Terry 100% disabled Vietnam Vet

I feel like you do. I have been treated at VA hospitals & treatment centers all up and down the east with nothing but praise. Sure they make mistakes, I don/t know anyone that doesn't. Some of these poor guys must be really suffering and they might not know how to get the treatment they need from the VA. The system is hard to negotiate. Fortunately I have learned this skill, early on.

No Name

It is a shame that as a combat vet you have to fight the VA for everything except for pills. I am on SS Disability and VA disability but going from 90 to 100 because of unemployability it has been 8 months for my claim and its still not done.

John Mahone

John P. McKenzie

As a combat vet - POST your name. You will be given a lot more credence.
There is no other medical entity like the VA in this world. We vets are more than very lucky to have them. YOU now are someone that the new vets can look up to and listen to. Keep yourself positive and POST your name.
Like this:
John P. McKenzie Cosby, TN Co B 2nd BN 327th PIR, Always 1st Bde, 101st Airborne Division.
Feel better already!!!

jer

I got to love the generic questions. hard to give a correct answer for them . how about the first time I sought treatment I was told I wasn't bad enough to need help. oh yes I had PTSD but my case was not bad enough. took me another 10 years to finaly get help thanks golf war vets for making this possable for us vetname vets to finly come home

OHara

Bill, No one is taking your weapons, unless you need your weapons taken. If you recognize the signs of PTSD, call a close friend and have them hold your guns before you hurt yourself, a loved one, or an innocent bystander. If your loved ones recognize the PTSD signs they should remove your weapons or have the authorities remove them and then get help... please, for you and for others. Once you have solved the problem your weapons can be returned.

Pe'd off

USAF Retired PhD

Our combat veterans deserve this study to improve the treatment this generation of veterans (and previous ones) will receive. However, this survey is simplistic and limited because it assumes that (a) PTSD results only from combat and (b) those with PTSD-like symptoms (without combat experience)receive the same level of support and recognition (if any) as those who have combat service. It must be greatly expanded, asking questions of those whose trauma was the result of environmental conditions away from combat.

Doogle

Your right Doc. Until they get real doctors who actually care (mental health)there will always be "problems". EXAMPLE: had 1st appt. cancelled by doctor as I was leaving to drive to VA. 2nd appt was 30 early, checked in, sat and waited, heard clerk call Doc and tell her I was there for appt, 20 mins later same Doc who cancelled told me I WAS LATE we didn't have enough time for full appointment, (resched), two weeks later I arrive for original appointment, while getting blood pressure measured, was told Doc was not in..."resched" So three months were totally wasted all the while, whatever you do "don't develop an attitude"..your papers will go to the bottom of the stack

Dennis Nordquist

This survey is BS. It won't stop the VA from giving Bogus ratings by their psychologist's.The last interview was totally absurd and totally wrong. I felt like the report was totally filled with lies and misinformation from the caregiver

Ray Raymond

You are right!! When I met the psychologist, all the questions were of a leading nature, and there was no way I could have answered them like they should have been., The worst part was when the Dr. said I told VA hospital in Texas that I was a prisoner of war. I didn't tell anyone I was a POW, I checked the box on the form they asked me to fill out. The reason I checked that little box on that form was, one of the clerks asked me where I was from when I told him, he said if you ain't from Texas you ain't shit. The only way your gonna get your pills here is if you were a POW! I suffer from depression, and have ever since I was discharged from the Army in 1953. Iv'e been fighting for help concerning PTSD, (no one ever heard of PTSD in 1950) One doctor at the VA back in 1954 told me, it was shell shock and I would get over it in time. BS! I truly believe after being married and divorced six times, had over twenty five plus jobs, are the direct cause of the problems I have had all these years. I am now 82 years old, and am still fighting the system. As far as the pills are concerned, yes I agree with some of the others who have complained about doing nothing but shove pills at you as a treatment. They did find some of my records that were burned up in a fire, but they did not find the ones I need to prove everything I claim. If I could find one person I know who could verify everything I have told the VA, all this crap would have been solved many years ago. The man's name is "THAD HOWARD"; I think he was from Pink Hill, North or South Carolina, I'm not sure of the state. Thad could verify that he and I both volunteered for combat at the same time while we were stationed in Japan, in 1950 or 1951. I don't remember all the exact dates, but they are close enough to be verified if the VA and the Legion would help me prove my claim(s). But, alas, I don't think I'm going to live long enough to see any positive results from my military past. I want to close by saying, through the last 60 or so years, I was treated by some very, very good doctors at the VA; on the other hand, I was treated by some real spooks too. I was given a 10% disability for tinnitus, and have received all medications with no co-pay, until just recently, now they charge me for the pills. My income from SS and the 10% VA pension is way under the average income. Life has been hard for me for the past sixty years, but I'm not a quitter! so mote it be.

Ray Raymond

You are right!! When I met the psychologist, all the questions were of a leading nature, and there was no way I could have answered them like they should have been., The worst part was when the Dr. said I told VA hospital in Texas that I was a prisoner of war. I didn't tell anyone I was a POW, I checked the box on the form they asked me to fill out. The reason I checked that little box on that form was, one of the clerks asked me where I was from when I told him, he said if you ain't from Texas you ain't shit. The only way your gonna get your pills here is if you were a POW! I suffer from depression, and have ever since I was discharged from the Army in 1953. Iv'e been fighting for help concerning PTSD, (no one ever heard of PTSD in 1950) One doctor at the VA back in 1954 told me, it was shell shock and I would get over it in time. BS! I truly believe after being married and divorced six times, had over twenty five plus jobs, are the direct cause of the problems I have had all these years. I am now 82 years old, and am still fighting the system. As far as the pills are concerned, yes I agree with some of the others who have complained about doing nothing but shove pills at you as a treatment. They did find some of my records that were burned up in a fire, but they did not find the ones I need to prove everything I claim. If I could find one person I know who could verify everything I have told the VA, all this crap would have been solved many years ago. The man's name is "THAD HOWARD"; I think he was from Pink Hill, North or South Carolina, I'm not sure of the state. Thad could verify that he and I both volunteered for combat at the same time while we were stationed in Japan, in 1950 or 1951. I don't remember all the exact dates, but they are close enough to be verified if the VA and the Legion would help me prove my claim(s). But, alas, I don't think I'm going to live long enough to see any positive results from my military past. I want to close by saying, through the last 60 or so years, I was treated by some very, very good doctors at the VA; on the other hand, I was treated by some real spooks too. I was given a 10% disability for tinnitus, and have received all medications with no co-pay, until just recently, now they charge me for the pills. My income from SS and the 10% VA pension is way under the average income. Life has been hard for me for the past sixty years, but I'm not a quitter! so mote it be.

Donna

Same thing, I suffered MST during Basic Training, I do have PTSD because of it which has led to BiPolar disorder, ADHD, Anxiety disorder. I am completely unable to function as a normal human being. I can not even go to the grocery store! nd this happened 40 years ago..

Del

The problem with this whole issue is many that have TBI don't show up on scans or tests if they don't have baseline data to compare the changes that many go through after an event. The medical community admits they often don't see the effect it had on the person till after an autopsy is performed.. Makes it pretty tough to get the V.A. let alone the rest of society to understand and accept the reduction in ones abilites after a TBI. Many have dramatic changes in personality and affect after TBI but are denied acceptance of the serious injury and the effect they are left with. They refuse to accept spouses and childrens input as factual proof. They normally only accept proof of substantial damage that is so apparant even a grade school child would ask ~ what is wrong with them mommy? Very sad in todays modern age of technology.

Veteran 75

FYI, at 71 I returned to the VA 4 years ago I went through the whole review. All I wanted was Hearing aids. I got them and a 10% rating.
Then a letter came and said I had a year to have a review of my rating.
I went the VA Rep. Office in my town and I took my wife this time.
She told the Veterans Service Officer about my dreams. 5 months later I was in the Roseburg, Or VA center with my wife.
We sat in the office of the C & P Psychology Doctor he went over his questions and I answered them, then my wife started
telling him what was really going on with me for the last 53 years, that I had just gone on and dealt with it.
The results came back at 100 % rating some months later.
In the past I was told “just deal with it” by the VA so I just gave up.
I can tell you it is not the old VA of my day,
One more thing my condition was from a non combat ship explosion.

giving your answer

as of july 13,2010 claims for ptsd does not have to becombat.. it is a two page letter for more info call 18775275529 like I did and they will help you so much and get your due.. but they will get paid for it.. but, if figured something is better then nothing.. 100 percent is 3000.00 they get 20 percent.... 600 you get 2400 more a month.. why not. you will get it